The Theology of Hugh of St. Victor: An Interpretation

by Boyd Taylor Coolman

Overview

In the context of the early twelfth-century urbanization of Paris, Hugh of St Victor developed a pioneering program of intellectual and moral practices focused on reforming the soul. Boyd Taylor Coolman identifies the signature theme of spiritual re-formation as the unifying motif to Hugh's theology and analyzes the symbolic and aesthetic dimensions of re-formation conceived as 'soul-construction', in the manner of Gothic cathedrals being built at the time. This study places Hugh of St Victor within the context of the profound economic, political and cultural changes characteristic of the twelfth century. Drawing on the majority of Hugh's writings, it reveals links between various aspects of his theology - exegesis and spirituality; theology and cultivation of virtue - and highlights the practical nature of his reforming program, aimed both at restoring the beauty of the soul and re-forming the human person into a dwelling place for the presence of God.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521886253
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	04/15/2010
Pages:	258
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.80(d)

About the Author

Boyd Taylor Coolman is Assistant Professor of Theology at Boston College. He is the author of Knowing God by Experience (2004).

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

List of abbreviations ix

Introduction: A theology of re-formation 1

Part I Formation in Wisdom 31

1 Creation as formation 33

2 Rational creation: Formed by Wisdom for beauty 47

3 Fall as de-formation 60

Part II Re-Formation in Wisdom 79

Preface to Part II 81

4 Christ 83

5 Church and sacraments 103

6 Scripture 124

Part III Practices of Re-Formation 139

Preface to Part III 141

7 Memory practices 148

8 Meditative practices 163

9 Moral practices 192

Conclusion 225

Bibliography 231

Index 240

Editorial Reviews

'… the book achieves a genuine traductio or handing-down of the theology of the Victorine master, inviting fresh engagements not only from historians but theologians and philosophers of many stripes.' The Expository Times

'If you are looking for a good, clear and attractive introduction to medieval thought, you could start with this book.' Theology

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